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Understanding the Different Types of Arthritis

  • Writer: Ben Proctor
    Ben Proctor
  • Sep 1
  • 2 min read

As a physiotherapist, I often work with people living with various forms of arthritis. Arthritis is not a single condition but rather a group of diseases characterised by joint pain, inflammation, stiffness, and sometimes systemic involvement. Each type has its own cause, mechanism, and management strategies. Below, I’ll break down the most common types of arthritis and related inflammatory joint conditions, their causes, and how they can be managed through physiotherapy, lifestyle, and medical care.


Osteoarthritis (OA)


What it is: OA is the most common type of arthritis, often called 'wear and tear' arthritis. It involves the breakdown of cartilage, the protective tissue at the ends of bones, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility.Causes:- Age-related degeneration- Joint overuse or previous injury- Genetic predisposition- Obesity (increased load on weight-bearing joints)Management Tips:- Exercise: Low-impact exercises (swimming, cycling, walking)- Heat: Helps relax stiff muscles and joints- Cold: Useful during flare-ups- Medical: Pain relief, injections, and sometimes joint replacement


Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)


What it is: RA is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks the synovium, causing inflammation and joint damage.Causes:- Autoimmune reaction (exact cause unknown)- Genetic and environmental triggers (e.g., smoking)Management Tips:- Movement: Gentle range-of-motion and strengthening exercises- Medical: DMARDs, biologics, corticosteroids- Physiotherapy: Tailored exercise programs- Self-care: Balancing rest and activity


Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS)


What it is: AS is a chronic inflammatory condition primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints.Causes:- Strongly linked to the HLA-B27 gene- Autoimmune/inflammatory mechanismsManagement Tips:- Exercise: Spinal mobility, posture training, and breathing exercises- Heat therapy: Helps reduce stiffness- Medical: Anti-inflammatories, biologics, rheumatology follow-up- Lifestyle: Avoid smoking


Discitis


What it is: Discitis is an infection of the intervertebral disc space.Causes:- Bacterial or fungal infection- Post-surgical complications- Spread from systemic infectionManagement Tips:- Medical: Requires urgent antibiotics, sometimes surgery- Physiotherapy: Usually after treatment, gradual return to mobility


Synovitis


What it is: Inflammation of the synovial membrane, often secondary to RA, OA, or injury.Causes:- Autoimmune disease (RA, lupus)- Injury or overuse- InfectionManagement Tips:- Cold packs: Reduce acute inflammation- Gentle exercise: Prevent stiffness- Medical: Treat underlying cause


Other '-itis' Conditions


These include:-

Tendinitis (tendon inflammation)-

Bursitis (bursae inflammation)-

Myositis (muscle inflammation)-

Psoriatic Arthritis (linked to psoriasis)

Gout (uric acid crystals)


General Management:-


Treat underlying cause- Heat/cold depending on stage- Stay active but avoid overload- Rheumatology input for systemic conditions


General Physiotherapy & Lifestyle Tips


- Regular exercise: Strengthens muscles, improves joint stability

Posture management: Especially important in spinal conditions

Pacing activities: Balance rest and activity

Weight management: Reduces stress on joints

Multidisciplinary approach: Collaboration with the healthcare team


Further Resources


Versus Arthritis (UK): https://versusarthritis.org

Arthritis Foundation (USA): https://www.arthritis.org

Arthritis Action (UK): https://www.arthritisaction.org.uk

Arthritis Research & Therapy: https://arthritis-research.biomedcentral.com

American College of Rheumatology: https://rheumatology.org

Kennedy Trust for Rheumatology Research: https://www.kennedytrust.org.uk


References


1. NICE Guidelines on Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Spondyloarthritis2. Firestein, G. S., & McInnes, I. B. (2017). Immunopathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Immunity, 46(2), 183–1963. Braun, J., & Sieper, J. (2007). Ankylosing spondylitis. The Lancet, 369(9570), 1379–13904. Mathews, C. J., et al. (2010). Bacterial septic arthritis in adults. The Lancet, 375(9717), 846–8555. Arthritis Foundation. https://www.arthritis.org

 
 
 

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